2. amps-preamps
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Looking for amp advice (punk, rock & reggae edition)

My current amp isn’t doing it for me. Marantz pm6005 which is class D @45 wpc. Speakers are Focal Chorus 807V. It’s very detailed but a little clinical, my biggest gripe is a lack of midbass. According to Stereophile the impedance curve dives to 4 ohm between 100 and 200 hz which is where I think I the problem lies. All indications are that more power is needed to corrrct this which seems plausible as the more volume I give it the more it fills in in that range. The problem is that apartment living doesn’t allow 100db listening sessions.

So, I’m looking for an amplifier (separates or integrated) that has the current needed to round out the sound. The speakers are staying for many more years so replacing them isn’t a viable option, plus I love the sound.

Im interested in going tube but I have no experience with tubes. I have so many questions regarding tubes it could probably be it’s own thread but it seems to me that people love these more than SS on the whole. I’m open to any suggestions though.

My budget is $2500 (used ok but prefer new)

I listen to punk, post punk, lots of reggae (specifically dub), some electronic, a little jazz and some jangle pop (think REM).

Im looking for a warm side of neutral sound with good detail that can keep its composure with fast music yet be gentle enough for jazz. I like bass, if there’s an 808 or that dubby bass guitar, I want to hear it. These speakers do a nice job when the signal is right.

My analog front end is a PDC with a 2M Blue through a Lounge LCR MKIII. All interconnects are AQ Evergreen.

Thanks
gochurchgo
audiothesis
168 posts
 
There are two options I have that I think would be great matches with your budget and speakers:

Dayens Ecstasy III - 100 WPC integrated that offers refined sound with a natural ease to the music.  Retail is $2,200.  https://www.audiothesis.com/ecstasy-iii

MastersounD BoX - 35 WPC single-ended el34 tube integrated that is about to release.  It includes remote and phono.  Retail is $3,000.  http://mastersoundsas.it/1/integrated_amplifiers_4432640.html
gochurchgo OP
920 posts
 
There are two options I have that I think would be great matches with your budget and speakers:

Dayens Ecstasy III - 100 WPC integrated that offers refined sound with a natural ease to the music. Retail is $2,200.  https://www.audiothesis.com/ecstasy-iii

MastersounD BoX - 35 WPC single-ended el34 tube integrated that is about to release. It includes remote and phono. Retail is $3,000.  http://mastersoundsas.it/1/integrated_amplifiers_4432640.html


Thanks. Why would these be a good fit? Have you heard them with my particular speakers?
benmcosker
29 posts
 
I am a rocker/noise guy and vouch for McCormack 225 / RLD-1 with Platinum upgrades w/ Dynaudio Contour S1.4 and a REL Stadium III. Mostly vinyl but supporting all formats
gochurchgo OP
920 posts
 
@kosst_amojen

I have to ask: while searching in the speaker forum here you commented about these speakers needing "good class a power to make them shine" and also: "
Robust solid state power is what those speakers like, especially class A power. I’m driving my 936’s with 40 watts, but the F5 will keep doubling it’s output until the outputs melt.

Might this be the position I am in? Not so much wattage but current deficit?

Also, in a few other Focal CHorus threads, people like @georgehifi and others threw out suggestions, all of which were minimum 180wpc.

Not trying to argue, just sort of trying to translate what I'm reading. :)
gochurchgo OP
920 posts
 
I am a rocker/noise guy and vouch for McCormack 225 / RLD-1 with Platinum upgrades w/ Dynaudio Contour S1.4 and a REL Stadium III. Mostly vinyl but supporting all formats


Thanks. You're running them with Focal speakers? I'm confused. I'm not buying new speakers.
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